June 10, 2025

S5 | Ep 28 | AI Upskilling: Rethinking Readiness, Responsibility, and Real Impact with McKinley Hyden, Director of Data Value & Strategy at Financial Times.

56 minutes

In Episode 28, of Season 5 of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Kyle Winterbottom was joined by McKinley Hyden, Director of Data Value & Strategy at Financial Times, where they discuss McKinley's journey from a background in literature to a career in data, the role of the Financial Times in providing quality journalism, and the importance of data in driving strategic decisions.

McKinley shares insights on the challenges of valuing data, the need for cultural change in organisations to embrace data as an asset, and the significance of upskilling in AI. The conversation also touches on the importance of effective communication and knowledge management in data analytics, as well as the future of AI in business.

In this conversation, McKinley Hyden and Kyle Winterbottom explore the profound impact of technology, particularly AI, on society, education, and the workforce. They discuss the moral implications of AI, the need for responsible use, and the importance of upskilling to navigate the changing landscape. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of creating effective AI policies to ensure ethical practices and the potential for job transformation in the face of technological advancements.

00:00 Introduction to Data and Storytelling
02:14 Understanding the Financial Times
04:19 The Role of Data Value and Strategy
09:33 Upskilling in Data and AI
10:44 Valuing Data as an Asset
14:12 Overcoming Resistance to Change
19:25 Defining Value in Data
22:20 Communications and Knowledge Management
27:31 The Future of AI in Business
28:44 The Impact of Technology on Society
30:53 Navigating the Moral Hazards of AI
32:44 The Future of Education in an AI World
35:19 Job Transformation and the Role of AI
41:47 Upskilling for the AI Era
44:42 Creating an AI Policy for Responsible Use

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